Camping with Kids: Fun, Safety, and Smart Nature Tips for Families
Camping with your kids is a wonderful way to unplug, explore nature, and make lifelong memories. Whether you're pitching a tent in the backyard or heading into the mountains, a little planning goes a long way toward ensuring your trip is fun, safe, and comfortable.
Let’s walk through some fun activities to keep your kids engaged, tips for staying safe in the great outdoors, and how to spot potential hazards—like those infamous itchy plants.
Fun Things to Do While Camping
🔍 Scavenger Hunt
Create a simple checklist of items to find—pinecones, acorns, different leaf shapes, birds, bugs, and even animal tracks. This encourages kids to observe their surroundings and stay curious.
🔥 Campfire Stories
Gather ‘round the fire for story time! Let each person take a turn making up a spooky or silly story. Don’t forget the s’mores!
🎨 Nature Crafts
Turn your surroundings into an art studio. Collect leaves for rubbings, paint rocks, or make pinecone creatures with googly eyes and craft glue.
🌌 Stargazing
Once the sun sets, lay on a blanket and look up! Use a stargazing app to identify constellations and planets. It's a peaceful way to wind down.
🥾 Hiking & Exploring
Choose trails that are family-friendly and go on mini adventures. Look for cool things like waterfalls, bugs, or animal habitats. Don’t forget to bring water and snacks!
Nature Safety: Know Your Plants
While exploring, it’s important to teach kids about plants that should be avoided. One of the best-known rules is:
“Leaves of three, let them be.”
This catchy phrase refers to plants like poison ivy, oak, and sumac—common culprits of itchy, uncomfortable rashes.
How to Spot the Troublemakers:
☘️ Poison Ivy
- Three pointed, shiny green leaves
- May grow as a vine or low shrub
- Turns red or yellow in fall
- Often found near trails and forest edges
🍁 Poison Oak
- Three rounded or lobed leaves
- Looks similar to oak leaves
- Can be green or red depending on the season
- Found in forests and dry, sunny areas
🌿 Poison Sumac
- Long stem with 7–13 leaflets in pairs
- Smooth edges and glossy finish
- Often found in swampy or wet areas
Teach kids to admire plants from a distance and wash up after hikes to help prevent contact rashes.
A Quick Note on Bug Safety
While we no longer carry our natural repellent blend, it’s still wise to take precautions against insects while outdoors. Here are a few bug-smart tips:
- Wear long sleeves and pants when hiking
- Use protective mesh netting in tents or strollers
- Stick to unscented body products while camping
- Avoid standing water near your campsite
Camping can be both fun and educational when you’re prepared. From learning about the stars to spotting cool plants (while avoiding the itchy ones!), there are endless ways to connect with nature and each other. So pack your gear, leave the screens at home, and enjoy your family’s next great outdoor adventure!